A Timeless Mountain Retreat in Silver Run

Suzanne and Todd Malo found the perfect place to bring their vision of home to life in the heart of Silver Run Reserve, among the cool mountain breezes and sweeping views. Their dream was simple but profound. “Our vision was to create a home that strikes the balance between spaciousness and intimacy,” Todd Malo says.

The couple imagined a gathering place for family and friends, one that never lost its sense of comfort. “Our goal was to blend mountain rustic style with a touch of elegance, creating a space that feels both timeless and inviting,” Todd says.

Choosing the right team to bring that vision to life was critical. For Todd, the collaboration between MHK Architecture and Stillwater Group was exactly what they needed. “Both firms have worked together on many homes as partners. This partnership is a very important part of the success of a project,” he says. “MHK took us through a comprehensive design process, which did an excellent job of capturing our vision.”

Building From the Land

From the first meetings, it seemed that MHK Architecture’s Brandy Marie Long, Studio Director, Highlands, sensed this project would be special. “The owners conveyed wanting a cozy mountain retreat where they could relax, disconnect, and enjoy the cool weather while catching a sunset and sunrise,” Brandy says. Designing a space that honored both sunrise and sunset views became a guiding principle. “This led us to lock in on a side outdoor living space that centered around catching both the eastern and western sky.”

Brandy emphasizes that at MHK, each home begins with a deep respect for the site itself. “We always start with the site and the overall vision of the homeowners. This begins with an initial site analysis followed by space planning and sketches of what we feel captures their overall goals and style.” From there, it’s a deeply collaborative experience. “We then work closely with the owner to continue fine-tuning their vision so that in the end, they feel not only comfortable with the design but are excited.”

On the construction side, Stillwater Group’s Ashton Eich served as the project manager, guiding the home from paper to reality. Fortunately, the weather was on their side. “The Malo project went very smoothly and stayed on schedule. With a mild winter, we were able to work through the winter months with ease,” Ashton says.

Still, mountain sites always bring surprises. When working on the foundation phase, the team unexpectedly hit rock. “As a result, we had to shift gears and bring necessary equipment to 'hammer the rock' to complete digging for the foundation. Although it was not a surprise to have hit rock, these situations can greatly impact a schedule when not forecasted,” Ashton explains. The project stayed on track thanks to swift communication and a skilled team.

Rooted in The Landscape

One of the strongest themes throughout the project was a commitment to the landscape. “Although they wanted a cozy getaway, they wanted a big connection to the outdoors,” Brandy explains. The Malos were steadfast that the natural beauty around them should flow effortlessly into their daily life.

That seamless connection is nowhere more evident than on the home’s porch—a classic Carolina room at the heart of their living experience. “We love spending time on the porch,” Suzanne says. “We installed operable screens/vinyl and infrared heaters, along with a large wood-burning fireplace that allows our porch to be used year-round. We also designed it to have both sunrise and sunset views. What we initially thought would be just a porch has become our favorite room.”

Brandy points out how the team enhanced this outdoor focus with practical design touches. “The main outdoor living has dual screens for year-round enjoyment that fully retract into the ceiling, creating additional space on the front porch.”

Where Craft Meets Story

Inside the home, craftsmanship and custom details take center stage. Ashton proudly highlights one of the more unique elements he helped bring to life. “I am most proud of accomplishing the design and the construction of the custom-built bunk beds,” he says. “The unique design is a full-size trundle bed that pulls out of the bottom of the built-in bed frame.”

Personal touches are everywhere—especially in the two custom wood mantles anchoring the great room and porch fireplaces. Earlier in the project, Ashton set aside prime wood cuts at Todd’s request. The timber was returned to Greenville, where Todd, a skilled woodworker, built a homemade kiln to dry it. Once the pieces reached the proper moisture level, he cut, shaped and distressed the mantles. Then they were returned to Stillwater for staining and installation. Todd even built the light fixture hanging above the dining room table.

Durability was a key principle as the couple selected finishes and materials. “We wanted the finishes to be durable enough to withstand heavy use, ensuring our home remains practical and worry-free, rather than a showplace where we'd constantly be concerned about wear and tear,” Todd says.

Looking back, Todd feels a deep sense of satisfaction. “We are very pleased with the end product and love entertaining friends and family or spending a quiet weekend together.”

And while they designed a home they love, what they discovered in the community at Silver Run Reserve has been an unexpected bonus. “When we purchased our property in 2021, we really loved the concept of Silver Run Reserve, but we had no idea that our neighborhood would turn out to be such an amazing place,” Suzanne says. “We have met people from all over and made so many friends in a short amount of time.”

In the end, the home’s true beauty lies in its connections to the mountains, craftsmanship, family and a growing circle of friends. Brandy sums it up: “I’d have to circle back to the ever-present theme; connecting to nature and the surrounding environment was key to how we chose to express the home for the outside.”

The home isn’t just a retreat—it’s a living reflection of everything they love.

Resources:

mhkarchitecture.com